Prostaglandin derivatives for the treatment of glaucoma or ocular hypertension

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to ophthalmological compositions for topical treatment of glaucoma or ocular hypertension comprising an effective intraocular pressure reducing amount of a prostaglandin derivative of PGA, PGB, PGD, PGE or PGF, in which the omega chain contains a ring structure, in an ophthalmologically compatible carrier. The invention further relates to the preparation of said compositions and their use for treatment of glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

This application is a division of application Ser. No. 07/986,943, filedon Dec. 8, 1992, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,422,368 which is a continuation ofSer. No. 469,442, filed as PCT/SE89/00475 Sep. 6, 1989, now abandoned.

The invention is concerned with the use of prostaglandin derivatives ofPGA, PGB, PGD, PGE and PGF, in which the omega chain has been modifiedwith the common feature of containing a ring structure, for thetreatment of glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The invention relates alsoto ophthalmic compositions, containing an active amount of theseprostaglandin derivatives, and the manufacture of such compositions.

Glaucoma is an eye disorder characterized by increased intraocularpressure, excavation of the optic nerve head and gradual loss of thevisual field. An abnormally high intraocular pressure is commonly knownto be detrimental to the eye, and there are clear indications that, inglaucoma patients, this probably is the most important factor causingdegenerative changes in the retina. The pathophysiological mechanism ofopen angle glaucoma is, however, still unknown. Unless treatedsuccessfully glaucoma will lead to blindness sooner or later, its coursetowards that stage is typically slow with progressive loss of thevision.

The intraocular pressure, IOP (abbr. of intraocular pressure) can bedefined as according to the formula:

    IOP=P.sub.e +F×R                                     (1)

where P_(e) is the episcleral venous pressure, generally regarded asbeing around 9 mm Hg, F the flow of aqueous humor, and R the resistanceto outflow of aqueous humor through the trabecular meshwork and adjacenttissue into Schlemm's canal.

Besides passing through Schlemm's, canal aqueous humor might also passthrough the ciliary muscle into the suprachoroidal space and finallyleave the eye through sclera. This uveoscleral route has been describedfor instance by Bill (1975). The pressure gradient in this case isinsignificant compared to the gradient over the interior wall ofSchlemm's canal and adjacent tissue in the former case. The flowlimiting step along the uveoscleral route is assumed to be the flow fromthe anterior chamber into the suprachoroidal space.

A more complete formula is given by:

    IOP=P.sub.e +(F.sub.t -F.sub.u)×R                    (2)

where P_(e) and R are defined as above, F_(t) is the total outflow ofaqueous humor and F_(u) is the fraction passing via the uveoscleralroute.

IOP in human beings is normally in the range of 12-22 mm Hg. At highervalues, for instance over 22 mm Hg, there is a risk that the eye may beaffected. In one particular form of glaucoma, low tension glaucoma,damage may occur at intraocular pressure levels otherwise regarded asphysiologically normal. The reason for this could be that the eye inthese individuals is unusually sensitive to pressure. The oppositesituation is also known, that some individuals may exhibit an abnormallyhigh intraocular pressure without any manifest defects in the visualfield or optic nerve head. Such conditions are usually referred to asocular hypertension.

Glaucoma treatments can be given by means of drugs, laser or surgery. Indrug treatment, the purpose is to lower either the flow (F) or theresistance (R) which, according to formula (1) above, will result in areduced IOP; alternatively to increase the flow via the uveoscleralroute which according to formula (2) also gives a reduced pressure.Cholinergic agonists, for instance pllocarpine, reduce the intraocularpressure mainly by increasing the outflow through Schlemm's canal.

Prostaglandins, which recently have met an increasing interest asIOP-lowering substances may be active in that they will cause anincrease in the uveoscleral outflow (Crawford et al, 1987, and Nilssonet al, 1987). They do not appear, however to have any effect on theformation of aqueous humor or on the conventional outflow throughSchlemm's canal (Crawford et al, 1987).

The use of prostaglandins and their derivatives is described forinstance in U.S. Pat. No. 4599353 and EP 87103714.9, and by Bito LZ etal (1983), Camras CB et al (1981, 1987a, 1987b, 1988), Giuffr e G(1985), Kaufman PL (1986), Kersetter JR et al (1988), Lee P-Y et al(1988) and Villumsen Jet al (1989).

With respect to the practical usefulness of some of the previouslydescribed prostaglandins and derivatives, as suitable drugs for treatingglaucoma or ocular hypertension, a limiting factor is their property ofcausing superficial irritation and vasodilation in the conjunctiva. Itis probable, moreover, that prostaglandins have an irritant effect onthe sensory nerves of the cornea. Thus local side effects will arise inthe eye already when the amounts of prostaglandin administered are quitesmall--that is, already when the doses are lower than those that wouldbe desirable for achieving maximum pressure reduction. It has thus beenfound, for instance, that for this reason it is clinically impossible touse PGF₂α -1-isopropyl ester in the amount that would give maximumpressure reduction. Prostaglandins, being naturally occurring auracoids,are very potent pharmacologically and affect both sensory nerves andsmooth muscle of the blood vessels. Since the effects caused byadministrations of PGF₂α and its esters to the eye, comprise in additionto pressure reduction also irritation and hyperemia (increased bloodflow), the doses currently practicable in clinical tests are necessarilyvery low. The irritation experienced when PGF₂α or its esters areapplied, consists mainly in a feeling of grittiness or of having aforeign body in one's eye, this being usually accompanied by increasedlacrimation.

We have now found that a solution to the problems discussed above is theuse of certain derivatives of prostaglandins A, B, D, E and F, in whichthe omega chain has been modified with the common feature of containinga ring structure, for the treatment of glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

The prostaglandin derivatives have the general structure ##STR1##

wherein A represents the alicyclic ring C₈ -C₁₂ and the bonds betweenthe ring and the side chains represent the various isomers. In PGA, PGB,PGD, PGE and PGF A has the formula ##STR2##

The invention is based on The use of derivatives characterized by theiromega chain and various modifications of the alpha chain is thereforepossible still using the inventive concept. The alpha chain couldtypically be the naturally occuring alpha chain, which is esterified tothe structure ##STR3##

in which R₁ is an alkyl group, preferably with 1-10 carbon, especially1-6 atoms, for instance metyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl,isobutyl, neopentyl or benzyl or a derivative giving the final substanceequivalent properties as a glaucoma agent. The chain could preferably bea C₆ -C₁₀ chain which might be saturated or unsaturated having one ormore double bonds, and allenes, or a triple bond and the chain mightcontain one or more substituents such as alkyl groups, alicyclic rings,or aromatic rings with or without hetero atoms.

The omega chain is defined by the following formula:

    ______________________________________                                        (13)           (14)          (15-24)                                          C        B     C         -   D        -   R.sub.2                             ______________________________________                                    

wherein

C is a carbon atom (the number is indicated within parenthesis)

B is a single bond, a double bond or a triple bond

D is a chain with 1-10, preferably 2-8, and especially 2-5, andparticularly 3 carbon atoms, optionally interrupted by preferably notmore than two hereto atoms (O,S, or N), the substituent on each carbonatom being H, alkyl groups, preferably lower alkyl groups within 1-5carbon atoms, a carbonyl group, or a hydroxyl group, whereby thesubstituent on C₁₅ preferably being a carbonyl group, or (R)--OH or(S)--OH; each chain D containing preferably not more than three hydroxylgroups or not more than three carbonyl groups,

R₂ is a ring structure such as a phenyl group which is unsubstituted orhas at least one substituent selected from C₁ -C₅ alkyl groups, C₁ -C₄alkoxy groups, trifluoromethyl groups, C₁ -C₃ aliphatic acylaminogroups, nitro groups, halogen atoms, and phenyl group; or an aromaticheterocyclic group having 5-6 ring atoms, like thiazol, imidazole,pyrrolidine, thiophene and oxazole; or a cycloalkane or a cycloalkenewith 3-7 carbon atoms in the ring, optionally substituted with loweralkyl groups with 1-5 carbon atoms.

Some examples on derivatives which were evaluated are the following (forstructure information see Table I):

(1) 16-phenyl-17,18,19,20-tetranor-PGF₂α -isopropylester

(2) 17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF₂α -isopropylester (3)15-dehydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF₂α -isopropylester (4)16-phenoxy-17,18,19,20-tetranor-PGF₂α -isopropylester (5)17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGE₂α -isopropylester (6)13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGA₂α -isopropylester (7)15-(R)-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF₂α -isopropylester (8)16-[4-(methoxy)-phenyl]-17,18,19,20-tetranor-PGF₂α -isopropylester (9)13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF₂α -isopropylester (10)18-phenyl-19,20-dinor-PGF-₂α -isopropylester (20) 19-phenyl-20-nor-PGF₂α-isopropylester

The most preferred derivatives at present are those in which the omegachain of the prostaglandin has the 18,19,20-trinor form, and especiallythe 17-phenyl analogs, such as the 15-(R)-, 15-dehydro and13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor forms. Such derivatives arerepresented by (3), (6), (7) and (9) in the formulas given in Table I.

In the formula given above the most preferred structure at present isaccordingly obtained when the prostaglandin is a derivative of PGA, PGD,PGE or PGF, especially of PGA₂, PGD₂, PGE₂ and PGF₂α,

B is a single bond or a double bond

D is a carbon chain with 2-5, especially 3 atoms; C₁₅ having a carbonylor (S)--OH substituent and C₁₆ -C₁₉ having lower alkyl substituents, orpreferably H

R₂ is a phenyl ring optionally having substituents selected among alkyland alkoxy groups.

The invention thus relates to the use of certain derivatives of PGA,PGB, PGD, PGE and PGF for the treatment of glaucoma or ocularhypertension. Among these derivatives defined above it has been foundthat some are irritating or otherwise not optimal, and in certain casesnot even useful due to adverse effects and these are excluded in thatthe group of prostaglandin derivatives defined above is limited totherapeutically effective and physiologically acceptable derivatives. Sois for instance (1) 16-phenyl-17,18,19,20-tetranor-PGF₂α -isopropylester irritating while this can be eliminated by substituting the phenylring with a methoxy group giving formula (8) which represents atherapeutically more useful compound,

The method for treating glaucoma or ocular hypertension consists incontacting an effective intraocular pressure reducing amount of acomposition, as aforesaid, with the eye in order to reduce the eyepressure and to maintain said pressure on a reduced level. Thecomposition contains 0.1-30 μg, especially 1-10 μg, per application ofthe active substance i.e. a therapeutically active and physiologicallyacceptable derivative from the group defined above; the treatment mayadvantageously be carried out in that one drop of the composition,corresponding to about 30 μl, is administered about 1 to 2 times per dayto the patient's eye. This therapy is applicable both to human beingsand to animals.

The invention further relates to the use of therapeutically active andphysiologically acceptable prostaglandin derivatives from the groupdefined above for the preparation of an ophthalmological composition forthe treatment of glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

The prostaglandin derivative is mixed with an ophthalmologicallycompatible vehicle known per se. The vehicle which may be employed forpreparing compositions of this invention comprises aqueous solutions ase.g. physiological salines, oil solutions or ointments. The vehiclefurthermore may contain ophthalmologically compatible preservatives suchas e.g. benzalkonium chloride, surfactants like e.g. polysorbate 80,liposomes or polymers, for example methyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol,polyvinyl pyrrolidone and hyaluronic acid; these may be used forincreasing the viscosity. Furthermore, it is also possible to usesoluble or insoluble drug inserts when the drug is to be administered.

The invention is also related to ophthalmological compositions fortopical treatment of glaucoma or ocular hypertension which comprise aneffective intra ocular pressure reducing amount of a prostaglandinderivative as defined above and an ophthalmologically compatiblecarrier, the effective amount comprising a dose of about 0.1-30 μ inabout 10-50 μ of the composition.

In the experiments carried out in this investigation the activecompound, in an amount, varying with potency of the drug, from 30 μg to300 μg/ml was dissolved in a sterilized aqueous solution (saline 0.9%)containing 0.5% polysorbate-80 as solubilizing agent.

The invention is illustrated by means of the following non-limitativeexamples.

Synthesis of prostaglandin derivatives

Example 1: Preparation of 16-phenyl-17,18,19,20-tetranor PGF₂α-isopropyl ester (1).

A 50 ml round bottom flask equipped with a magnetic stirring bar wascharged with 17.5 mg (0.04 mmol) 16-phenyl-17,18,19,20-tetranor PGF₂α(Cayman Chemical), 5 ml CH₂ Cl₂,30.2 mg (0.23 mmol)diisopropylethylamine. This solution was stirred at -10° C. and 13.5 mg(0.07 mmol) of isopropyltriflate (freshly prepared) was added. Thissolution was allowed to stand at -10° C. for 15 min and was then slowlywarmed to room temperature. When the esterification was completeaccording to TLC (usually after 3-4 h at room temperature) the solventwas removed in vacuo. The residue was diluted with 20 ml ethylacetate,washed with 2×10 ml 5% sodium hydrogencarbonate and 2×10 ml 3% citricacid. The organic layer was dried over unhydrous sodium sulfate. Thesolvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was purified by columnchromatography on silica gel-60 using ethyl acetate: aceton 2:1 aseluent. The title compound was obtained as a colorless oily substance(71% yield).

    ______________________________________                                        Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectrum (CDCl.sub.3)-- ppm:                       ______________________________________                                        δ                                                                       1.2        (6H d)     3.3         (1H q)                                      2.85       (2H d)     5.0         (1H m)                                      3.85       (1H m)     5.3-5.7     (4H m)                                      4.15       (1H t)     7.15-7.35   (5H m)                                      ______________________________________                                    

Example 2: Preparation of 17-phenyl-18,19,20- trinor PGF₂α -isopropylester (2).

A 50 ml round bottom flask equipped with a magnetic stirring bar wascharged with 20 mg (0.05 mmol) 17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor PGF₂α (CaymanChemicals), 6 ml acetone, 39.2 mg (0.25 mmol) DBU and 42.5 mg (0.25mmol) isopropyl iodide. The solution was allowed to stand at roomtemperature for 24 h, the solvent was removed in vacuo and the residuewas diluted with 30 ml of ethyl acetate, washed twice with 10 ml 5%sodiumhydrogen carbonate and 10 ml 3% citric acid. The solvent wasremoved in vacuo, and the crude product was chromatographed on silicagel-60 using ethyl acetate: acetone 2:1 as eluent. The title compound(2) was obtained as an oily substance (65% yield).

    ______________________________________                                        Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectrum (CDCl.sub.3)-- ppm:                       ______________________________________                                        δ                                                                       1.2        (6 m)      4.9         (1H M)                                      3.9        (1H m)     5.4-5.6     (4H m)                                      4.1        (1H t)     7.1-7.3     (5H m)                                      4.2        (1H m)                                                             ______________________________________                                    

Example 3: Preparation of 15-dehydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor PGF₂α-isopropyl ester (3)

20.9 mg (0.092 mmol) DDQ was added to a solution of 10 mg (0.023 mmol)17-phenyl-18,19,20 trinor PGF₂α -isopropyl ester (2) in 8 ml dioxane.The reaction mixture immediately turned brown, the reaction mixture wasstirred at room temperature for 24 h. The precipitate formed wasfiltered, washed with 10 ml ethyl acetate, the filtrate was diluted with10 ml ethylacetate washed with 2×10 ml water, 2×10 ml NaOH IM and 20 mlbrine. The organic layer was dried on unhydrous sodium sulfate and thesolvent was removed in vacuo, the residue was purified by columnchromatography on silica gel using ethyl acetate: ether 1:1 as eluent.The title compound (3) was obtained as a colorless oily substance (76%yield).

    ______________________________________                                        Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectrum (CDCl.sub.3),-- ppm:                      ______________________________________                                        δ                                                                       1.2        (6H d)     5.4         (2H m)                                      4.0        (1H m)     6.2         (1H d)                                      4.2        (1H m)     6.7         (1H q)                                      5.0        (1H m)     7.15-7,35   (5H m)                                      ______________________________________                                    

Example 4: Preparation of 16-phenoxy-17,18,19,20-tetranor PGF₂α-isopropyl ester(4).

Following a procedure similar to that described in example 2 using 20 mg(0.051 mmol) 16-phenoxy-17,18,19,20 -tetranor PGF₂α (Cayman Chemicals).The title compound (4) was an oily substance (53.2 % yield).

    ______________________________________                                        Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectrum (CDCl.sub.3)-- ppm:                       ______________________________________                                        δ                                                                       1.2         (6H d)      5.4      (2H m)                                       3.9         (3H m)      5.7      (2H m)                                       4.2         (1H m)      6.9      (3H m)                                       4.5         (1H m)      7.3      (2H m)                                       5.0         (1H m)                                                            ______________________________________                                    

Example 5: Preparation of 17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor PGE₂ -isopropylester (5).

Following a procedure similar to that described in example 2 using 10 mg(0.026 mmol) 17-phenyl-18,19,20- trinor PGE₂ (Cayman Chemicals). Thecrude product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel-60using ether as eluent. The title compound (5) was an oily substance(38.9% yield).

    ______________________________________                                        Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectrum (CDCl.sub.3)-- ppm:                       ______________________________________                                        δ                                                                       1.2          (6H d)     5.3      (2H m)                                       3.9-4.1      (2H m)     5.6      (2H m)                                       4.9          (1H M)     7.2      (5H m)                                       ______________________________________                                    

Example 6: Preparation of 13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor PGA₂-isopropyl ester (6).

Following a procedure similar to that described in example 2 using 10 mg(0.026 mmol) 13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl PGA₂ (Cayman Chemicals). The crudeproduct was chromatographed on silica gel-60 using ether as eluent.

    ______________________________________                                        Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectrum (CDCl.sub.3)-- ppm:                       ______________________________________                                        δ                                                                       1.2         (6H d)      5.4      (2H m)                                       4.35        (1H m)      7.3      (5H m)                                       5.0         (1H m)                                                            ______________________________________                                    

Example 7: Preparation of 15-(R)-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor PGF₂α-isopropyl ester (7) (Table II)

7.1 Preparation of1-(S)-2-oxa-3-oxo-6-(R)-(3-oxo-5-phenyl-1-trans-pentenyl)-7-(R)-(4-phenylbenzoyloxy)-cis-bicyclo [3,3,0] octane (13).

18 g (0.05 mol) alcohol (11), 32 g (0.15 mol) DCC, 39.1 g (0.5 mol) DMSO(newly distilled from CaH₂) and 30 ml DME were charged to a 200 ml flaskunder nitrogen. Orthophosphoric acid was added in one portion, and anexothermic reaction occured. The reaction mixture was stirredmechanically at room temperature for 2h, and the resultant precipitatewas filtered and washed with DME. The filtrate (12) can be used directlyfor Emmon condensation reaction.

To a suspension of 1.2 g (0.04 mol) NaH (80% washed with n-pentane toremove mineral oil) in 100 ml DME under nitrogen was added dropwise 12.3g (0.048) dimethyl-2-oxo-4-phenyl-butyl-phosphonate in 30 ml DME. Themixture was stirred mechanically for 1 h at room temperature, thencooled to -10 ° C. and a solution of the crude aldehyde (12) was addedin dropwise. After 15 min at 0 ° C. and 1 h at room temperature thereaction mixture was neutralized with glacial acetic acid, the solventwas removed under vaccum, and to the residue was added 100 ml ethylacetate, washed with 50 ml water and 50 ml brine. The organic layer wasdried over unhydrous sodium sulfate. The solvent was removed in vacuoand the resulting white precipitate filtered and washed with cold ether.The title compound (13) was obtained as a crystalline substance mp134.5-135.5 (53 % yield).

7.2 Preparation of1-(S)-2-oxa-3oxo-6-(R)-[3-(R,S)-hydroxy-4-phenyl-1-trans-pentenyl]-7-(R)-(4-phenylbenzoyloxy)cis-bicyclo [3,3,0]octane (14).

10 g (0.021 mol) enone (13) and 3.1 g (0.008 mol) cerous-chlorideheptahydrate in 50 ml methanol and 20 ml CH₂ Cl₂ were charged to a 200ml round bottom flask equipped with a magnetic stirring bar and wascooled to -78 ° C. under nitrogen. Sodium borohydride was added in smallportions, after 30 min the reaction mixture was quenched by addition ofsaturated NH₄ Cl, and extracted with 2×50 ml ethyl acetate. The extractswere dried and concentrated to leave a colorless oil (98% yield).

7.3 Preparation of1-(S)-2-oxa-3-oxo-6-(R)-[3-(R,S)-hydroxy-4-phenyl-1-trans-pentenyl]-7-(R)-hydroxy-cis-bicyclo-[3,3,0]octane (15).

To a solution of 9.8 g (0.02 mol) ketal (14) in 100 ml absolute methanolwas added 1.7 (0.012 mol) potassium carbonate. The mixture was stirredwith a magnetic bar, at room temperature after 3 h. The mixture wasneutralized with 40 ml HCl 1 M, and extracted with 2×50 ml ethylacetate. The extracts were then dried on unhydrous sodium sulfate andconcentrated. The crude product was chromatographed on silica gel usingethyl acetate: acetone as eluent. The title compound (15) was obtainedas an oily substance (85% yield).

Preparation of 1-(S)-2-oxa-3-hydroxy-6-(R)-[3-(R,S)hydroxy -4-phenyl-1-trans-pentenyl]-7-(R)-hydroxy-cisbicyclo [3,3,0] (16).

To a solution of 3g(0.011 mol) lactone (15) in 60 ml unhydrous THF,stirred magnetically and cooled to -78 ° C., 4.5 g (0.0315 mol) DIBAL-Hin toluene was added dropwise. After 2h the reaction mixture wasquenched by addition of 75 ml methanol. The mixture was filtered, thefiltrate was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was chromatographedon silica gel-60 using ethyl acetate: acetone 1:1 as eluent. The titlecompound (16) was obtained as a semisolid substance (78% yield).

7.5 Preparation of 15-(R,S)-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor PGF₂α (17).

2.5 g (25 mmol) sodium methyl sulfinylmethide in DMSO (freshly preparedfrom sodium anhydride and DMSO) was added dropwise to a solution of 5.6g (12.6 mmol) 4-caboxybutyl triphenyl-phosphonium bromide in 12 ml DMSO.To the resultant red solution of the ylide was added dropwise a solutionof the 1.2 g (4.2 mmol) hemiacetal (16) in 13 ml DMSO, and the mixturewas stirred for 1 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with 10 g ice and10 ml water and extracted with 2×50 ml ethyl acetate, whereafter theaqueous layer was cooled, acidified with HCl 1 M and extracted withethyl acetate, and then the organic layer was dried and concentrated.The resulting crude product was a colorless substance. The purity of thetitle compound (17) was estimated by TLC on silica gel using ethylacetate: acetone: acetic acid 1:1:0.2 v/v/v as eluent.

7.6 Preparation of 15-(R)-17-phenyl-18,19,20- trinor PGF₂α -isopropylester (7).

The crude product (17) was esterified following a procedure similar tothat described in example 2 the product was purified by columnchromatography on silica gel-60 using ethyl acetate as eluent and theresulting mixture of C₁₅ epimeric alcohol were separated.

The title compound (7) was obtained as a colorless oily substance (46%yield).

    ______________________________________                                        Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectrum (CDCl.sub.3),-- ppm:                      ______________________________________                                        δ                                                                       1.2         (6H m)      5.4      (2H m)                                       3.9         (1H m)      5.6      (2H m)                                       4.15        (2H m)      7.2      (5H m)                                       4.95        (1H m)                                                            ______________________________________                                    

Example 8: Preparation of 16-[4-methoxy)phenyl]-17,18,19,20-tetranorPGF-₂α -isopropyl ester (8).

Following a procedure similar to that described in example 7 withmodified step 7-2, the aldehyde 12 described in step 7-2 was reactedwith dimethyl-2-oxo-3-[4-(methoxy)phenyl]-propylphosphonate and waspurified by column chromatography on silica gel-60 using ethyl acetate:toluene 1:1 as eluent. A colorless oily substance was obtained (57%yield).

The title compound 16-[4-(methoxy)phenyl]-17,18,19,20-tetranorPGF2u-isopropyl ester (8) was obtained as an oily substance, andpurified by column chromatography on silica gel-60 using ethyl acetateas eluent (46% yield).

    ______________________________________                                        Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectrum (CDCl.sub.3) -- ppm:                      ______________________________________                                        δ                                                                       1.2         (6H d)      5.0      (1H m)                                       2.8         (2H d)      5.4      (2H m)                                       3.75        (3H S)      5.6      (2H m)                                       3.9         (1H m)      6.8      (2H d)                                       4.15        (1H m)      7.2      (2H d)                                       4.3         (1H m)                                                            ______________________________________                                    

Example 9: Preparation of 13,14,dihydro-17-phenyl18,19,20-trinor PGF₂α-isopropyl ester (9).

Following a procedure similar to that described in example 7, with minormodification, 5 g (0.018 mol) enone (13) in 100 ml THF was reduced using2.03 g 10% pd/c under hydrogen atmosphere. After completion of thereaction (as determined by TLC on silica gel using ethylacetate: toluene1:1 as eluent) the mixture was filtered on celite. The filtrate wasconcentrated in vacuo and an oily substance was obtained (86% yield).

The final product 13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor PGF₂α-isopropyl ester containing a mixture of Ci₁₅ epimeric alcohols wereseparated by preparative liquid chromatography using 40% C₃ CN in waterv/v as eluent.

    ______________________________________                                        Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectrum (CDCl.sub.3)-- ppm:                       ______________________________________                                        δ                                                                       1.2         (6H d)      5.0      (1H m)                                       3.6         (1H m)      5.4      (2H m)                                       3.9         (1H m)      7.2      (5H m)                                       4.15        (1H m)                                                            ______________________________________                                    

Example 10: Preparation of 18-phenyl-19,20-trinor PGF₂α -isopropyl ester(10).

Following a procedure similar to that described in example (7) withmodified step 7-2. The aldehyde (12) described in 7-2 was reacted withdimethyl-2-oxo-5-phenyl pentyl phosphonate gave a crystalline substancetrans-enone lactone (67% yield).

The final product 18-phenyl-19,20-dinor PGF₂α -isopropyl ester (10) waspurified by column chromatography on silica gel-60 using ethyl acetateas eluent gave a colorless oil (41% yield).

    ______________________________________                                        1.2         (6H d)      5.0      (1H m)                                       3.95        (1H m)      5.4      (2H m)                                       4.10        (1H m)      5.6      (2H q)                                       4.20        (1H m)      7.2      (5H m)                                       ______________________________________                                    

Example 11: Preparation of 19-phenyl-20- nor- PGF₂α - isopropyl ester(20).

Following a procedure similar to that described in example (7) withmodified step (7-2).

The aldehyde (12) described in (7-2) was reacted withdimethyl-2-oxo-6-phenyl-hexylphosphonate gave a colorless oiltrans-enone lactone (56% yield).

The final product 19-phenyl-20-nor-PGF₂α -isopropyl ester (20) was acolorless oil, and was purified by column chromatography on silicagel-60 using ethyl acetate as eluent (30% yield).

    ______________________________________                                        Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectrum (CDCl.sub.3)-- ppm:                       ______________________________________                                        δ                                                                       1.2         (6H d)      5.0       (1H m)                                      2.6         (2H t)      5.4       (2H m)                                      3.9         (1H m)      5.5       (2H t)                                      4.1         (1H m)      7.2       (5H m)                                      4.2         (1H m)                                                            ______________________________________                                    

Studies of eye pressure lowering effect and adverse reactions

The intraocular pressure (IOP) was determined in animals with apneumatonometer (Digilab Modular One™, Bio Rad) specially calibrated forthe eye of the particular species. The cornea was anaesthetized with 1-2drops of oxibuprocain before each IOP measurement. In healthy humanvolunteers IOP was measured with applanation tonometry or with an airpuff tonometer (Keeler pulsair). For applanation tonometry either apneumatonometer (Digilab) or Goldmann's applanation tonometer mounted ona slit lamp microscope was used. The cornea was anaesthetized withoxibuprocain before each measurement with applanation tonometry. Nolocal anaesthesia was employed before measurement with the pulsairtonometer.

The ocular discomfort after application of the test substances wasevaluated in cats. The behavior of cats after topical application of thetest drug was followed and ocular discomfort was graded on a scale from0 to 3, 0 indicating complete absence of any signs of discomfort, and 3indicating maximal irritation as obvious from complete lid closure.

Conjunctival hyperemia after topical application of the test substanceswas evaluated in rabbits. The conjunctiva at the insertion of thesuperior rectus muscle of the eye was inspected or photographed withregular intervals and the degree of hyperemia was later evaluated fromthe color photographs in a blind manner. Conjunctival hyperemia wasevaluated on a scale from 0 to 4, 0 indicating complete absence of anyhyperemia, and 4 indicating marked hyperemia with conjunctival chemosis.

For determination of the effects on the intraocular pressure, primarilymonkeys (cynomolgus) were employed. The reason for this is that themonkey eye is highly reminiscent of the human eye and therefor,generally, drug effects are readily extrapolated to the human eye.However, the disadvantage of using the monkey eye as a model is that theconjunctiva in this species is pigmented making it impossible toevaluate conjunctival hyperemia and furthermore, the monkey eye isrelatively insensitive to irritation. Therefore, the cat eye, being verysensitive to prostaglandins was used for evaluating ocular discomfortand the rabbit eye with pronounced tendency to hyperemic reactions wasused for evaluating conjunctival and episcleral hyperemia.

It is evident from Table III that modification of the omega chain of theprostaglandin skeleton introduced new and unexpected features to theprostaglandins with respect to ocular irritation (discomfort).Particularly 17-phenyl,18,19,20- trinor-PGF₂α -IE and analogs wereunique in exhibiting a complete loss of ocular irritation with retainedIOP lowering effect in monkeys. Whereas the17-phenyl,18,19,20-trinor-PGF-₂α derivatives were extremely welltolerated, 16-phenyl-17,18,19,20-tetranor-PGF₂α -IE caused clear oculardiscomfort although to a lesser degree than PGF₂α -IE or15-propionate-PGE₂ -IE (Table III). However, substituting a hydrogenatom in the phenyl ring with a methoxy group having electron donatingproperties rendered the molecule practically free of ocular irritatingeffect, Table III. It is also evident from Table III that18-phenyl-19,20,-dinor-PGF₂α -IE, 19-phenyl-20-nor-PGF₂α -IE as well as17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGE₂α -IE and13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGA2-IE, had no or very littleirritating effect in the eye of cats. This indicates that the inventionnot only is valid for 16-, and 17-tetra- and trinor analogs of PGF₂α butfor a range of omega chain modified and ring substituted analogs ofPGF₂α (as exemplified with 16-phenyl-17,18,19,20-tetranor-PGF₂α -IE to19-phenyl-20-nor-PGF₂α -IE), and more importantly even for differentmembers of the prostaglandin family such as PGE₂ and PGA₂ modified in ananalogous way (Table III). Thus, modifying the omega chain andsubstituting a carbon atom in the chain with a ring structure introducescompletely new, unexpected and advantageous qualities to naturallyoccuring prostaglandins in that the irritating effect in the conjunctivaand cornea is abolished. In the case of16-phenyl-17,18,19,20-tetranor-PGF₂α -IE exhibiting some irritatingeffect substituting a hydrogen atom in the ring structure with e.g. amethoxy group attenuates or abolishes the irritating effect.

In addition to the lack of ocular discomfort the omega chain modifiedanalogs also exhibited an advantage over naturally occuringprostalgandins in that they caused considerably less conjunctivalhyperemia as studied in the rabbit eye (Table IV). Particularly,15-dehydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF₂α -IE,13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF₂α -IE, and13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor PGA₂ -IE were advantageous inthis respect. Also 18-phenyl-19,20-dinor-PGF₂α -IE and19-phenyl-20-nor-PGF₂α -IE induced very little conjunctival hyperemia(Table/V).

The intraocular pressure lowering effect of omega chain modified andring-substituted prostaglandin analogs is demonstrated in Table V. Itcan be seen that particularly 16-phenyl-tetranor and 17-phenyl-trinorprostaglandin analogs significantly reduced IOP in animal eyes (TableV). In all but two series of experiments cynomolgus monkeys were used.It is of particular interest to note that 17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinorPGF₂α -derivatives exhibiting no ocular irritation and only modestconjunctival/episcleral hyperemia significantly lowered IOP in primates.It should furthermore be observed that both16-phenyl-17,18,19,20-tetranor-PGF.sub.α -IE,18-phenyl-19,20-dinor-PGF₂α -IE and 19-phenyl-20-nor-PGF.sub.α -IEreduced the intraocular pressure, thus, modification of the omega chainand substituting a carbon atom in the chain with a ring structure do notrender the molecule inactive with respect to the effect on theintraocular pressure.

Furthermore, it should be observed that substituting a hydrogen on thering structure of 16-phenyl,17,18,19,20-tetranor-PGF₂α -IE with amethoxy group eliminated much of the ocular irritating effect preservingmost of the intraocular pressure lowering effect. Thus, omega chainmodified and ring substituted prostaglandin analogs reduce IOPeffectively in animals. It is further demonstrated in Table V that16-phenoxy-17,18,19,10-tetranor-PGF₂α -IE effectively lowers theintraocular pressure as studied in cats. Thus, substituting carbon 17 inthe omega chain with a hetero atom, in this case oxygen, does not renderthe molecule inactive with respect to the effect on IOP.

It is noteworthy that most of the 17-phenyl,18,19,20-trinorprostaglandinanalogs had poor intraocular pressure lowering effect in cats, even athigh doses. It is to be observed that the doses at which compounds wereused presented in Table III are lower than those e.g. in Table V. Dosespresented in Table III should be explicitly compared with those of thenaturally occuring prostaglandins in the same table. The same is truefor Table IV. It is clear that with increasing dose side effects mayincrease. However, the doses of prostaglandin derivatives used inmonkeys are comparatively similar to those used in human volunteers,(Table VI) being practically free of side effects.

The effect of some omega chain modified prostaglandin analogs, morespecifically 17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF₂α -IE,15-dehydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF₂α -IE,15-(R)-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF₂α -IE,13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF₂α -IE, and18-phenyl-19-20-dinor-PGF₂α -IE on the intraocular pressure of healthyhuman volunteers is demonstrated in Table VI. All compoundssignificantly reduced the intraocular pressure. It is particularlysignificant in this respect that none of the compounds had anysignificant irritating effect (ocular discomfort) and that13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF₂α -IE and15-dehydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF₂α -IE caused very little if anyconjunctival/episcleral hyperemia in man. Thus, omega chain modified,and ring substituted prostaglandin analogs seem to be unique in thatthese compounds reduce IOP without causing significant. ocular sideeffects such as hyperemia and discomfort.

The present invention thus describes a group of compounds exhibiting theunique property of causing insignificant ocular side effects whileretaining the intraocular pressure lowering effect. From the foregoingit is evident that the crucial modification of the molecule is a ringstructure in the omega chain. Furthermore, substituents in the ringstructure and/or in the omega chain may be introduced in certainmolecules still exhibiting some side-effects in the eye. Hetero atomsmay also be introduced into the ring substituted omega chain. Presently,particularly 17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF₂α -derivatives seem verypromising for therapeutic use in glaucoma. From the scientificliterature it is evident that PGE₂ and PGA₂ or their esters lower IOP inthe monkey (see Bito et al, 1989). Clinical studies with PGE₂ have alsobeen performed demonstrating IOP-lowering effect in man (Flach andEliason (1988)). Thus, the analogy with PGF.sub.α and its esterslowering IOP in the primate eye is logic. It is most reasonable toassume that other prostaglandins with modified omega chain exhibitessentially the same properties as PGF₂α with modified omega chain, i.e.IOP lowering effect without side effects.

                                      TABLE 1                                     __________________________________________________________________________     ##STR4##                                                                      ##STR5##                                                                      ##STR6##                                                                      ##STR7##                                                                      ##STR8##                                                                      ##STR9##                                                                     __________________________________________________________________________

                  TABLE II                                                        ______________________________________                                         ##STR10##                                                                     ##STR11##                                                                     ##STR12##                                                                     ##STR13##                                                                     ##STR14##                                                                     ##STR15##                                                                     ##STR16##                                                                     ##STR17##                                                                    ______________________________________                                         Reagents:                                                                     a) DCC/DMSO/DME                                                               b) NaH/dimethyl2-oxo- 4-phenylbu tyl phosphonate/DME                          c) CeCl.sub.3.7H.sub.2 O/NaBH.sub.4 /CH.sub.3 OH/-78° C.               d) K.sub.2 CO.sub.3 /Ch.sub.3 OH                                              e) Dibal/-78° C.                                                       f) NaCH.sub.2 SOCH.sub.3 /(4carboxybutyl)-triphenylphosphonium                bromide/DMSO                                                                  g) DBU/iprI/acetone                                                      

                  TABLE III                                                       ______________________________________                                        Irritative effect of naturally occuring prosta-                               glandins (PGF.sub.2α, PGD.sub.2 and PGE.sub.2), and omega chain         modified                                                                      analogs applied as isopropylester on the cat eye. The                         average degree of discomfort was evaluated during 60 min                      after topical application of the respective test drug. The                    numbers within parenthesis refer to Table I.                                                     Dose    Degree of                                          Substance          (μg) occular irritation                                 ______________________________________                                        PGF.sub.2α -isopropylester (-IE)                                                               1       3.0 ± 0.0                                   15-propionate-PGE.sub.2 -IE                                                                          0.1-1   3.0 ± 0.0                                   15-propionate-PGD.sub.2 -IE                                                                          1       1.3 ± 0.2                                   17-phenyl-18,19,20-                                                                           (2)    1-5     0                                              trinor-PGF.sub.2α -IE                                                   15-dehydro-17-phenyl-                                                                         (3)    5       0                                              18,19,20-trinor-                                                              PGF.sub.2α -IE                                                          15-(R)-17-phenyl-                                                                             (7)    1-5     0                                              18,19,20-trinor-PGF.sub.2α -IE                                          13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-                                                                      (9)    1       0                                              18,19,20-trinor-PGF.sub.2α -IE                                          17-phenyl-18,19,20-                                                                           (5)    0.3     0                                              trinor-PGE.sub.2 -IE                                                          13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-                                                                      (6)    1       0                                              18,19,20-trinor-PGA.sub.2 -IE                                                 16-phenyl-17,18,19,20-                                                                        (1)    1       2.2 ± 0.3                                   tetranor-PGF.sub.2α -IE                                                 16-[4-(methoxy)-phenyl]-                                                                      (8)    1       0.2 ± 0.1                                   17,18,19,20-tetranor-                                                         PGF.sub.2α -IE                                                          18-phenyl-19,20-dinor-                                                                        (10)   1       0.7 ± 0.1                                   PGF.sub.2α -IE                                                          19-phenyl-20-nor-PG.sub.2α -IE                                                          (20)   1       0.5 ± 0.1                                   16-phenoxy-17,18,19,20-                                                                       (4)    5       0.3 ± 0.2                                   tetranor-PGF.sub.2α -IE                                                 ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE IV                                                        ______________________________________                                        Degree of conjunctival hyperemia in the rabbit                                eye after application of naturally occuring prostaglandins                    (PGF.sub.2α, and PGE.sub.2), and omega chain modified analogs           applied                                                                       an isopropylesters.                                                                                 Dose    Degree of                                       Substance             (μg) hyperemia                                       ______________________________________                                        PGF.sub.2α -isopropylester (-IE)                                                                  0.1     2.8 ± 0.2                                15-propionate-PGE.sub.2 -IE                                                                             0.5     2.7 ± 0.3                                16-phenyl-17,18,19,20-                                                                          (1)     0.5     1.3 ± 0.9                                tetranor-PGF.sub.2α -IE                                                 17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-                                                                      (2)     0.5     2.0 ± 0.3                                PGF.sub.2α -IE                                                          15-dehydro-17-phenyl-                                                                           (3)     0.5     0.7 ± 0.3                                18,19,20-trinor-PGF.sub.2α -IE                                          15-(R)-17-phenyl-18,19,20-                                                                      (7)     0.5     2.0 ± 0.0                                trinor-PGF.sub.2α -IE                                                   13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-                                                                        (9)     0.5     1.3 ± 0.3                                18,19,20-trinor-PGF.sub.2α -IE                                          17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-                                                                      (5)     0.5     2.7 ± 0.2                                PGE.sub.2 -IE                                                                 13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-                                                                        (6)     0.5     0.3 ± 0.3                                18,19,20-trinor-PGA.sub.2 -IE                                                 18-phenyl-19,20-dinor-                                                                          (10)    0.5     0.3 ± 0.2                                PGF.sub.2α -IE                                                          19-phenyl-20-nor-PGF.sub.2α -IE                                                           (20)    0.5     0.2 ± 0.2                                16-phenoxy-17,18,19,20-                                                                         (4)     0.5     2.3 ± 0.3                                tetranor-PGF.sub.2α -IE                                                 ______________________________________                                    

                                      TABLE V                                     __________________________________________________________________________    Intraocular pressure reducing effect of naturally occuring prostaglandin      (PGF.sub.2α) and                                                        omega chain modified analogs as determined in cynomolgus monkeys or cats.     Unless specified data                                                         were obtained in monkeys. The figures within parenthesis refer to             formulas given in Table I.                                                                          Time after administration (hours)                                             0      1-2   3-4   6                                    Substance       Dose (μg)                                                                        (mmHg) (mmHg)                                                                              (mmHg)                                                                              (mmHg)                               __________________________________________________________________________    PGF.sub.2α -isopropylester (IE)                                                         1.5   E 11.4 ± 0.7                                                                       8.3 ± 0.5                                                                        8.0 ± 0.6                                                                        9.3 ± 0.8                                                      *     *                                                               C 11.0 ± 0.7                                                                      10.7 ± 0.4                                                                       10.1 ± 0.4                                                                       10.6 ± 0.9                        16-phenyl-17,18,19,20-                                                                     (1)                                                                              3.2   E 12.7 ± 1.1                                                                      11.8 ± 1.1                                                                        9.1 ± 0.8                                                                        8.4 ± 0.7                        tetranor-PGF.sub.2α -IE       *     *                                                         C 12.8 ± 0.5                                                                      14.0 ± 0.2                                                                       13.0 ± 0.8                                                                       11.7 ± 0.8                        17-phenyl-18,19,20-                                                                        (2)                                                                              3.2   E 12.8 ± 0.6                                                                      11.9 ± 0.5                                                                        8.6 ± 0.3                                                                        9.5 ± 0.7                        trinor-PGF.sub.2α -IE         *                                                               C 13.4 ± 0.6                                                                      11.7 ± 0.6                                                                       12.4 ± 0.2                                                                       11.9 ± 0.7                        13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-                                                                   (9)                                                                              10.4  E 11.1 ± 0.9                                                                       8.3 ± 0.6                                                                        6.9 ± 0.4                                                                        7.7 ± 0.8                        18,19,20-trinor-PGF.sub.2α -IE                                                                              *                                                               C 10.6 ± 0.7                                                                       8.8 ± 0.9                                                                       10.3 ± 1.1                                                                        9.5 ± 1.0                        18-phenyl-19,20-dinor-                                                                     (10)                                                                             3.1   E  9.7 ± 0.9                                                                       9.6 ± 1.1                                                                        9.6 ± 0.7                                                                        8.8 ± 0.9                        PGF.sub.2α -IE                      *                                                         C 10.1 ± 1.0                                                                       9.4 ± 1.2                                                                        9.8 ± 1.2                                                                        9.4 ± 0.9                        16-phenoxy-17,18,19,20-                                                                    (4)                                                                              5 **  E 20.5 ± 1.2                                                                      25.7 ± 1.2                                                                       19.2 ± 1.8                                                                       15.0 ± 1.2                        tetranor-PGF.sub.2α -IE             *                                                         C 20.7 ± 1.2                                                                      22.7 ± 1.1                                                                       19.5 ± 0.9                                                                       19.2 ± 0.8                        16-[4-(methoxy)-phenyl]-                                                                   (8)                                                                              3.2   E 11.2 ± 0.9                                                                      10.5 ± 1.3                                                                        9.8 ± 1.4                                                                        9.2 ± 0.9                        17,18,19,20-tetranor-               *                                         PGF.sub.2α -IE  C 10.4 ± 1.1                                                                      10.9 ± 1.0                                                                       11.3 ± 1.4                                                                        9.2 ± 0.6                        19-phenyl-20-nor-                                                                          (20)                                                                             1 **  E 16.9 ± 1.0                                                                      16.6 ± 0.7                                                                       15.8 ± 0.8                                                                       18.1 ± 1.2                        PGF.sub.2α -IE                *                                                               C 17.1 ± 0.4                                                                      18.1 ± 0.6                                                                       18.9 ± 0.6                                                                       19.2 ± 0.8                        __________________________________________________________________________     * Indicates statistical significance p <0.05. The substances were applied     topically.                                                                    ** Data obtained in cat eyes.                                            

                                      TABLE VI                                    __________________________________________________________________________    Intraocular pressure reducing effect of different omega chain modified        and ring                                                                      substituted PGF.sub.2α -IE analogs in healthy human volunteers. The     substance number is given within                                              paranthesis.                                                                                           Time after administration (hours)                                    Dose     0     4     6     8                                  Substance       (μg)                                                                          n Eye (mmHg)                                                                              (mmHg)                                                                              (mmHg)                                                                              (mmHg)                             __________________________________________________________________________    17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-                                                                 (2)                                                                              1  4 Exp 11.9 ± 1.7                                                                       11.0 ± 0.9                                                                       10.1 ± 0.7                                                                        9.8 ± 0.7                      PGF.sub.2α -isopropylester (IE)                                                                         *     *     *                                                      Contr                                                                             12.7 ± 1.7                                                                       13.9 ± 0.7                                                                       13.5 ± 1.2                                                                       12.5 ± 0.7                      15-(R)-17-phenyl-18,19,20-                                                                 (7)                                                                              10 3 Exp 12.9 ± 0.9                                                                       11.8 ± 0.6                                                                       11.0 ± 0.3                                                                       11.2 ± 1.3                      trinor-PGF.sub.2α -IE                 *                                                      Contr                                                                             13.2 ± 1.4                                                                       13.7 ± 0.9                                                                       13.8 ± 1.0                                                                       15.1 ± 1.3                      15-dehydro-17-phenyl-                                                                      (3)                                                                              10 4 Exp 17.7 ± 0.6                                                                       14.6 ± 0.2                                                                       13.6 ± 0.7                                                                       --                                 18,19,20-trinor-PGF.sub.2α -IE                                                                          *     *                                                            Contr                                                                             17.5 ± 0.7                                                                       16.4 ± 0.5                                                                       16.3 ± 1.0                                                                       --                                 13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-                                                                   (9)                                                                              1  4 Exp 14.2 ± 0.5                                                                       13.3 ± 1.1                                                                       12.2 ± 0.4                                                                       12.5 ± 0.9                      18,19,20-trinor-PGF.sub.2α -IE  *                                                            Contr                                                                             13.5 ± 0.6                                                                       14.2 ± 1.2                                                                       15.2 ± 1.0                                                                       15.1 ± 0.7                      18-phenyl-19,20-dinor-                                                                     (10)                                                                             5  3 Exp 14.4 ± 1.0                                                                       12.2 ± 1.1                                                                       12.4 ± 1.2                                                                       11.9 ± 0.7                      PGF.sub.2α -IE                        *                                                      Contr                                                                             15.2 ± 0.1                                                                       13.7± 1.2                                                                        14.4 ± 0.2                                                                       13.2 ± 0.5                      __________________________________________________________________________     * Indicates statistical significance p <0.05.                            

REFERENCES

Bill A. (1975). Blood circulation and fluid dynamics in the eye.Physiol. Rew. 55: 383-417.

Bito L. Z., Draga A., Blanco D. J., Camras C. B. (1983). Long-termmaintenance of reduced intraocular pressure by daily or twice dailytopical application of prostaglandins to cat or rhesus monkey eyes.Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 24:312-319.

Bito L. Z., Camras C. B., Gum G. G. and Resul B. (1989). The ocularhypotensive effects and side effects of prostaglandins on the eyes ofexperimental animals. Progress in clinical and biological research, Vol312. Ed Laszlo Z. Bito and Johan StJernschantz; Alan R. Liss, Inc., NewYork.

Camras C. B., Bito L. Z. (1981). Reduction of intraocular pressure innormal and glaucomatous primate (Aotus trivirgatus) eyes by topicallyapplied prostaglandin F₂α, Curr Eye Res 1:205-209.

Camras C. B., Podos S. M., Rosenthal J. S., Lee P. Y., Severin C. H.(1987a). Multiple dosing of prostaglandin F_(2a) or epinephrine oncynomolgus monkey eyes. I. Aqueous humor dynamics. Invest Ophthalmol VisSci 28:463-469.

Camras C. B., Bhuyan K. C., Podos S. M., Bhuyan D. K. Master R. W. P.(1987b). Multiple dosing of prostaglandin F₂α or epinephrine oncynomolgus monkey eyes. II. Slitlamp biomicroscopy, aqueous humoranalysis, and fluorescein angiography. Invest Ophthalmol. Vis Sci28:921-926.

Camras C. B., Siebold E. C., Lustgarten J. S., Serle J. B., Frisch S.C., Podos S. M., Bito L. Z. (1988). Reduction of IOP by prostaglandinF₂α -1-isopropyl ester topically applied in glaucoma patients,Ophthalmology 95 (Suppl): 129.

Crawford K., Kaufman P. L., and True Gabel, B'A (1987). Pilocarpineantagonizes PGF₂α -induced ocular hyptension: Evidence for enhancementof uveoscleral outflow by PGF.sub.α, Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis Sci p. 11.

Flach A. J., Eliason J. A. (1988). Topical prostaglandin E₂ effects onnormal human intraocular pressure. J Ocu Pharmacol 4:13-18.

Giuffr e G. (1985). The effects of prostaglandin F₂α in the human eye.Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 222: 139-141.

Kaufman P. L. (1986). Effects on intracemerally infused prostaglandinson outflow facility in cynomolgus monkey eyes with intact orretrodisplaced ciliary muscle. Exp Eye Res 43:819-827.

Kerstetter J. R., Brubaker R. F., Wilson S. E., Kullerstrand L. J.(1988). Prostaglandin F₂α -1-isopropylester lowers intraocular pressurewithout decreasing aqueous humor flow. Am J Ophthalmol 105:30-34.

Lee P-Y., Shao H., Xu L., Qu C-K. (1988). The effect of prostaglandinF₂α on intraocular pressure in normotensive human subjects.InvestOphthalmol Vis Sci 29:1474-1477.

Miller W. L. et al (1975). Biological Activities of17-Phenyl18,19,20-Trinor Prostaglandins. 9 p. 9-18.

Nilsson S. F. E., Stjernschantz J. and Bill A. (1987). PGF₂α increasesuveoscleral outflow. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis Sci Suppl p. 284.

Villumsen J., Alm A. (1989). Prostaglandin F₂α -isopropylester eyedrops. Effects in normal human eyes. Br J Ophthalmol 73: 419-426.

We claim:
 1. A therapeutic composition for topical treatment of ocularhypertension or glaucoma containing a prostaglandin PGA, PGB, PGE or PGFin an amount sufficient to reduce intraocular pressure without causingsubstantial ocular irritation, and an ophthalmologically compatiblevehicle, in which the alpha chain of the prostaglandin comprises a chainof 6 to 10 carbon atoms, which is either(a) saturated or (b) unsaturatedhaving one or more double bonds, allene bonds, or a triple bond, thealpha chain being (c) unsubstituted or (d) substituted with one or moresubstituents selected from the group of alkyl groups, alicyclic rings,aromatic rings or heteroaromatic rings, and in which the omega chain ofthe prostaglandin has the formula

    C.sub.13 --B--C.sub.14 --D.sub.15-24 --R.sub.2

wherein C is a carbon atom (the number according to standardprostaglandin nomenclature being indicated by the subscript); B is asingle bond, a double bond, or a triple bond; D represents a sub-chainof 1-10 carbon atoms with substituents on each carbon atom that areselected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group,an oxo group and a hydroxyl group, and R₂ is an aromatic heterocyclicgroup having 5-6 ring atoms.
 2. A composition according to claim 1 inwhich, in the omega chain, R₂ is thiazol.
 3. A composition according toclaim 1 in which, in the omega chain, R₂ is imidazole.
 4. A compositionaccording to claim 1 in which, in the omega chain, R₂ is pyrrolidine. 5.A composition according to claim 1 in which, in the omega chain, R₂ isthiophene.
 6. A composition according to claim 1 in which, in the omegachain, R₂ is oxazole.
 7. A therapeutic composition for topical treatmentof ocular hypertension or glaucoma containing a prostaglandin PGA, PGB,PGE or PGF in an amount sufficient to reduce intraocular pressurewithout causing substantial ocular irritation, and an ophthalmologicallycompatible vehicle, in which the alpha chain of the prostaglandincomprises a chain of 6 to 10 carbon atoms, which is either(a) saturatedor (b) unsaturated having one or more double bonds, allene bonds, or atriple bond, the alpha chain being (c) unsubstituted or (d) substitutedwith one or more substituents selected from the group of alkyl groups,alicyclic rings, aromatic rings or heteroaromatic rings, and in whichthe omega chain of the prostaglandin has the formula

    C.sub.13 --b--C.sub.14 --D.sub.15-24 --R.sub.2

wherein C is a carbon atom (the number according to standardprostaglandin nomenclature being indicated by the subscript); B is asingle bond, a double bond, or a triple bond; D represents a sub-chainof 1-10 carbon atoms with substituents on each carbon atom that areselected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group,an oxo group and a hydroxyl group, and R₂ is a cycloalkane or acycloalkene with 3-7 carbon atoms in the ring, which is (e)unsubstituted or (f) has at least one substituent selected from thegroup consisting of lower alkyl groups with 1-5 carbon atoms.
 8. Atherapeutic composition for topical treatment of ocular hypertension orglaucoma containing a prostaglandin PGA, PGB, PGE or PGF in an amountsufficient to reduce intraocular pressure without causing substantialocular irritation, and an ophthalmologically compatible vehicle, inwhich the alpha chain of the prostaglandin comprises a chain of 6 to 10carbon atoms, which is either(a) saturated or (b) unsaturated having oneor more non-cummulated double bonds, or a triple bond, the alpha chainbeing (c) unsubstituted or (d) substituted with one or more substituentsselected from the group of alkyl groups, alicyclic rings, aromatic ringsor heteroaromatic rings, and in which the omega chain of theprostaglandin has the formula

    C.sub.13 --B--C.sub.14 --D.sub.15-24 --R.sub.2

wherein C is a carbon atom (the number according to standardprostaglandin nomenclature being indicated by the subscript); B as asingle bond, a double bond, or a triple bond; D represents a sub-chainof 1-10 carbon atoms and 1-2 heteroatoms selected from the group oxygen,sulfur, and nitrogen, with substituents on each carbon atom that areselected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group,an oxo group and a hydroxyl group, and R₂ is an aromatic heterocyclicgroup having 5-6 ring atoms.
 9. A composition according to claim 8 inwhich, in the omega chain, R₂ is thiazol.
 10. A composition according toclaim 8 in which, in the omega chain, R₂ is imidazole.
 11. A compositionaccording to claim 8 in which, in the omega chain, R₂ is pyrrolidine.12. A composition according to claim 8 in which, in the omega chain, R₂is thiophene.
 13. A therapeutic composition for in which, in the omegachain, R₂ is oxazole.
 14. A therapeutic composition for topicaltreatment of ocular hypertension or glaucoma containing a prostaglandinPGA, PGB, PGE or PGF in an amount sufficient to reduce intraocularpressure without causing substantial ocular irritation, and anophthalmologically compatible vehicle, in which the alpha chain of theprostaglandin comprises a chain of 6 to 10 carbon atoms, which iseither(a) saturated or (b) unsaturated having one or more non-cummulateddouble bonds, or a triple bond, the alpha chain being (c) unsubstitutedor (d) substituted with one or more substituents selected from the groupof alkyl groups, alicyclic rings, aromatic rings or heteroaromaticrings, and in which the omega chain of the prostaglandin has the formula

    C.sub.13 --B--C.sub.14 --D.sub.15-24 --R.sub.2

wherein C is a carbon atom (the number according to standardprostaglandin nomenclature being indicated by the subscript); B is asingle bond, a double bond, or a triple bond; D represents a sub-chainof 1-10 carbon atoms and 1-2 heteroatoms selected from the group oxygen,sulfur, and nitrogen, with substituents on each carbon atom that areselected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group,an oxo group and a hydroxyl group, and R₂, is a cycloalkane or acycloalkene with 3-7 carbon atoms in the ring, which is (e)unsubstituted or (f) has at least one substituent selected from thegroup consisting of lower alkyl groups with 1-5 carbon atoms.
 15. Acomposition according to claim 1 in which the prostaglandin is a PGF₂αand, in the omega chain of the prostaglandin, the D subchain contains2-5 carbon atoms.
 16. A composition according to claim 14 in which theprostaglandin is a PGF₂α and, in the omega chain of the prostaglandin,the D subchain contains 2-5 carbon atoms.
 17. A therapeutic compositionfor topical treatment of ocular hypertension or glaucoma containing aprostaglandin PGD in an amount sufficient to reduce intraocular pressurewithout causing substantial ocular irritation, and an ophthalmologicallycompatible vehicle, in which the alpha chain of the prostaglandin is achain of 6 to 10 carbon atoms, which is either(a) saturated or (b)unsaturated having one or more double bonds, allene bonds, or a triplebond, the alpha chain being (c) unsubstituted or (d) substituted withone or more substituents selected from the group of alkyl groups,alicyclic rings, aromatic rings or heteroaromatic rings, and in whichthe omega chain of the prostaglandin has the formula

    C.sub.13 --B--C.sub.14 --D.sub.15-24 --R.sub.2

wherein C is a carbon atom (the number according to standardprostaglandin nomenclature being indicated by the subscript); B is asingle bond, a double bond, or a triple bond; D represents a sub-chainof 1-10 carbon atoms with substituents on each carbon atom that areselected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group,an oxo group and a hydroxyl group, and R₂ is an aromatic heterocyclicgroup having 5-6 ring atoms.
 18. A composition according to claim 17 inwhich, in the omega chain of the prostaglandin the group R₂ is thiazol.19. A composition according to claim 17 in which, in the omega chain ofthe prostaglandin the group R₂ is imidazole.
 20. A composition accordingto claim 17 in which, in the omega chain of the prostaglandin the groupR₂ is pyrrolidine.
 21. A composition according to claim 17 in which, inthe omega chain of the prostaglandin the group R₂ is thiophene.